As you might know, Handm@de Oxford was held yesterday in the amazing large hall at the town hall. The weather may have been pretty terrible but it was great to catch up with people and meet with the stall holders who will be at Handm@de Cambridge this Saturday.

Wednesday, 25 November 2009

My name is Bethany Kelman, I am 27 years old and I live in Cambridge. I love vintage glamour, but I often found it hard to find vintage pieces that fit well so I started making my own dresses from vintage patterns. People liked them and often asked me where they could buy them, so I decided to start making dresses for sale & Jezebelles Boutique was born! I now make bags and accessories as well as clothing.

Have you always been crafty, or is it something that you've picked up more recently?

I come from an artistic background as my Mum is very crafty - she worked as a dressmaker when I was little and is now a jewellery maker, so I was encouraged to be artistic from an early age and art was always my favourite subject. I studied Fine Art at University & spent most of my time making sculptural dresses from unusual materials. After graduation I decided to embrace my inner seamstress!

What other artists are you excited about seeing at Handm@de Cambridge?

I am really looking forward to seeing all the other exhibitors work as there's such a diverse range of artists. I am especially excited about sharing a table with PinkAppleJam!

What is your favourite piece?

I am most excited about the new 1950s style evening bags I'm making in a range of different colours and fabrics. I'm also working on some vintage style pyjama sets which I think will make nice Christmas gifts. http://www.jezebellesboutique.co.uk/pyjamas.htm

Are there any specific pieces you fancy that will be at Handm@de Cambridge?

Tuesday, 17 November 2009

Hi I'm Cat, I'm from Norfolk . I'm currently a mature student re-taking some A Levels before going back to university to study veterinary medicine. I will be exhibiting my polymer clay creations and handmade goats' milk soaps.

Have you always been crafty, or is it something that you've picked up more recently?

My mother, who will be exhibiting alongside me, instilled me with her crafting spirit. So crafting is something I've always been into. I've had a go at everything from dress making to lino printing and back again. I'm also a keen photographer, who exhibits work as regularly as possible.

Have you been particularly influenced by any other artists or events?

My mother and grandmother are my main influences, both taught me, encouraged me and supported me in all my crafty exploits. A lot of my clay work is inspired by Christi Friesen.

What other artists are you excited about seeing at Handm@de Cambridge?

I'm a big fan of turned wood - I love the way it feels so I'm pretty excited about seeing Louise and Robert of 'Turned and Twisted'. I'm loving the quirky creations of Fabric Friends - I think one of those might have to come home with me! Hodge Podge Arts has some amazing, unique pieces, which are certainly worth a look. Little Molly the Lamb might just be the cutest thing I've ever seen - I'm a big lamb fan having spent a faie bit of time lambing.

What is your favourite piece?

Probably my little steampunk hedgepig. There will be a variety of steampunk animals available.

Are there any specific pieces you fancy that will be at Handm@de Cambridge?

I think there's likely to be a bit of a fight over those adorable mice by Nat's Nest - everybody seems to love them! I want a GlowBox Lantern for Christmas too!

Tuesday, 10 November 2009

I'm Gemma Hadley, I'm 26 years old and I live in a beautiful little cottage in Hitchin, Hertfordshire.

Have you always been crafty, or is it something that you've picked up more recently?

For as long as I can remember I've always had some sort of crafty project on the go. I trained as a graphic designer and while I love computers, there's nothing quite as satisfying as sitting down with some paper, glue and a craft knife and seeing what you can create with your hands.

Have you been particularly influenced by any other artists or events?

I've always been hugely influenced by nature and colour. I also love rummaging through local markets and car boots and am often inspired by the unusual papers and treasures I find.

What other artists are you excited about seeing at Handm@de Cambridge?

So many! I keep on noticing a new exhibitor I didn't see at first and am hugely looking forward to seeing them all! To name a couple though, Bread of Many's illustrations are beautiful and I love the look of Emma Passey's ceramics. I'm a huge teacup fan!

What is your favourite piece?

My butterfly cards were my first design so they'll always be special to me because of that. They take a while to cut out but they look lovely sat on a mantelpiece. They're one of my more detailed cards and people usually react very positively towards them which is a great feeling :) I'm also very busy working on some Christmas designs at the moment!

Are there any specific pieces you fancy that will be at Handm@de Cambridge?

Monday, 2 November 2009

SANDRA: Jane and I met nearly six years ago and quickly identified a joint interest in clothes, crafts, art. But it was relatively recently that we decided to take it a step further and form Trash Chic. The idea is that we take remnants, left-overs, broken jewellery, abandoned wool and all kinds of other discarded materials and turn them into aprons, bo chos (bohemian style chokers), bookmarks, cushions and scarves. It's a great stressbusting hobby for us. By profession, I'm a writer and editor

JANE: ... And I'm a web designer.

Have you always been crafty, or is it something that you've picked up more recently?

SANDRA: My mum taught me to knit and sew when I was very, very young. Then I picked up crochet, tatting, embroidery, patchwork, and, as I got older, bead jewellery making and bookmarks. I've always shopped in charity shops and jumble sales, then adapted my purchases. So, yes, it's certainly something I've always had an interest in.

JANE: I started designing and making my own clothes at a very young age and I recall some of my more unusual outfits bringing a smile to the faces of family and friends. In the 80s I sold clothes at Camden Lock and Greenwich Market. I also launched a range of funky outsize clothing which was pretty revolutionary at the time.

Have you been particularly influenced by any other artists or events?

SANDRA: Style and accessory wise, you can't beat a bit of Coco. In terms of artists, Cambridge has an abundance of really amazing talent. Personally, I prefer something clean, natural and in calming tones. The pieces I choose for myself definitely help me to relax and connect with nature or the sea.

JANE: My biggest influence is Vivienne Westwood. I also love Steampunk, anything gothic and Amy Winehouse’s hair. If I was a man I would be a dandy, sport colourful cravats and carry a walking cane.

What other artists are you excited about seeing at Handm@de Cambridge?

SANDRA: Well, it's always great to see Ruth Schmid, QHere bags. We both have several of her bags. But, to be honest, it's exciting just being among all kinds of other creatives and seeing what they make. It's tempting to spend the day buying their things rather than selling ours!!

JANE: I visited Handm@de last year and was completely blown away with the talent. I am sure I’ll be purchasing as well as selling this year.

What is your favourite piece?

SANDRA: Easy: Jane's full-length and half aprons. They really are fabulous, and definitely add a different dimension to being in the kitchen!